How the Target Boycott Made Me Rethink My Patriotism

So, let me understand this correctly. It is not OK for Target, or any other company, to contribute to a candidate that supports their views, but it is completely alright for newspapers to endorse a candidate? What is the difference?

Not to go all Color Purple on you, but "maybe God is trying to tell you something" and Kmart isn't the answer at all. Just a thought. ;-)

I will shop at Target for everything I need... wish more people would stand up and shout no more.... in this country today, it is ok to be anti anything that might smack of the God of the bible, but let a Christian speak out and they are condemned... this probably won't pass the moderator... case in point!

I recently sent this email to all top execs at Target (and similar versions to all the others involved):

"I wanted to let you know how unsatisfactory Target's corporate response has been to the outrage regarding your contribution to the religious ultra-right. No amount of awards for simply not persecuting your LGBT staff members can offset this irresponsible act. To assume that not one of the other three candidates would support business and economic growth is absurd and no rational person will except this excuse. Spending profits gained from purchases by LGBT customers (and their friends and extended family members who love them, like myself) to attempt to deny these same people equal protection under the law for their families, is despicable. Either do better or stay out of the political arena... it's the only ethical choice.

Since hearing about what you have done, I have stopped shopping at Target which in the past has been my favorite store. I have spent thousands over the last decade and contributed to your success. It sickens me that you have chosen to use my hard-earned money to hurt this persecuted and misunderstood community. I am, on my own, circulating a pledge to boycott Target until you make concrete amends to those you have harmed (saying "we're so sorry" or "we'll talk about it" is not enough). It's the young (who in the vast majority accept gay people and have openly gay friends) and people with money to spend (gay people have more discretionary income than almost any other group) who buy from you. Most families have a gay family member and some even love them. I hope you can see what an 'anti-business' move it was (at least for you) to support those who hate gay people and want to oppress them.

In case it is of interest to you I am both married and a devout Christian so don't assume your only criticism comes from the gay community and/or people who are not deeply religious. Bigotry has no place in today's world and I, for one, will not tolerate it in any form. We are either "one" or we are nothing. Support diversity and stop financially supporting those who don't.

Please clarify your ethics statement if you continue to choose to support homophobic or other types of bigoted candidates so that your customers will know about it ...Please add the following for clarification of your corporate identity... "Target doesn't allow discrimination in any form. However, Target will lend significant financial support to those who do, whether they are racists or some other type of bigot, simply because they call themselves 'pro-business.' Target will not take responsibility for our actions in any concrete manner and will use awards given to us for simply not persecuting or LBGT staff members as 'proof' that we really are good folks after all... (so please keep spending your money here so we can keep supporting America's own special homegrown Taliban... the ultra-right religious fundamentalists." Kathleen M. Lake, M.A.

All people have a right to their opinion. So if the gays want to boycott, go ahead. I rather doubt that Target will change its tune, especially in light of the fact that they contribute to many, many different organizations on both sides of the aisle. This contribution doesn't necessarily mean they are anti anything, the CEO made a statement to that effect. I don't see him worrying too much. I haven't seen anyone not going to my two Target stores.

I think that you are confusing the defination of Patriotism. It is "love for or devotion to one's country". One of the rights in this country is to vote and put your money where you want to. That is called freedom. Why should you question your love and devotion for this country when Target is just exercising their right to do what they want just like you writing this article which was what you wanted to do and was allowed to do so. Conservatives and Liberals both exercise the right to back who and do what they want. Why are you condeming Target for doing the same thing. What you shouldn't do is try to force your opinion on others who do not wish to be forced upon. What you have done is cherry-picked one issue this candidate stands for and ran with it condemning Target - shame on you. Very one sided if you ask me and not very openminded.

Good Grief all of you people get over the Gay and Lesbian thing. They have been around as long as the rest of us have. And please don't make this a Liberal or conservative arguement. They walk on both sides. Politics has nothing to do with sexual Orientation. I am a 77 year old white women that never even knew there was a difference in people till I was about 17. I voted against Prop 8 and for Obama. I believe everybody has a right to marry who they want and be happy or miserable like everybody else.

Thanks for the information about Target in your article. I was not aware of this. I'm going shopping at Target this afternoon!!!!!!!!

Note to self..boycott Target! I mean they have stuff they sell that's been designed by gay guys but they are against gay marriage?? Is that not a bit hypocritical?? Me thinks YES IT IS! Just like this lady I too go back to the US to do my shopping but unlike my last visit my wife and I will not be shopping at Target until they cease and desist.

Delia, I don't always agree with all your opinions, but I read your column regularly. I don't think you thought this one out quite as thoroughly as you might have.

You are planning to boycott Target because it recently made a business-oriented decision to donate money to a business-friendly political candidate in Minnesota whose opinions about homosexual marriage (and probably plenty of other issues) don't align with yours. Fair enough, but what about Target's years of support for Left-friendly organizations like Minnesota Planned Parenthood? You yourself speak admirably of the company's track record of diversity in the workplace. Surely, now and in the past, Target supports/has supported numerous causes and candidates whose politics DO align with yours. Why boycott them now, just because today they made a decision you don't support? What about tomorrow, when they make their yearly donation to the Twin Cities' annual Gay Pride festival?

Don't get me wrong--you have every right to shop (or not shop) wherever you please. But unless you're going to change loyalties every 24 hours depending on Target's donation record for the day, this position you're taking doesn't seem to make a lot of sense.